Domain Name System

Purpose

Domain Name System (DNS), a locator service in Microsoft Windows, is an industry-standard protocol that locates computers on an IP-based network. IP networks, such as the Internet and Windows networks, rely on number-based addresses to process data. Users however, can more easily remember name addresses, so it is necessary to translate user-friendly names (such as www.microsoft.com) into addresses that the network can recognize (such as 207.46.131.137).

Where applicable

Windows and Active Directory use DNS. DNS is the primary locator service for the Internet and Active Directory, and therefore, DNS is considered a base service for Windows and Active Directory.

Developer audience

Windows provides functions that enable application programmers to use DNS, such as programmatic DNS query, record compare, and name lookup.

Programmable DNS components are designed for use by C/C++ programmers. Familiarity with networking and DNS is required. Programmers should be familiar with the IP-protocol suite, as well as the DNS protocol and DNS operations.

Run-time requirements

DNS is used on all IP networks that require an Internet-compatible locator service. However, the DNS API requires Windows 2000 or later.